4-hydroxy benzoate derivatives for use in the treatment of infection, inflammation or pain

ABSTRACT

A compound of the general formula (I) is provided for use in the topical treatment of infection, inflammation and/or pain: wherein R 1  independently represents a methylene group, an ethylene group or a straight or branched chain C 3  to C 6  alkylene group; R 2  independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group or a straight or branched chain C 3  to C 20  alkyl group; x represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 4 and y represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 4, wherein the sum of x and y is 4; and Z represents a hydrogen atom or (HOR 1 ) y R 2   X N + ; compositions including the compound; use of the compound in the manufacture of a medicament; and methods of medical treatment including the topical application of the compound.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/663,451, filed May 25, 2010, which claims priority toPCT/GB2008/002001 filed Jun. 12, 2008 which claims priority to UKApplication No. 0711947.2, filed Jun. 20, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally provides compounds and compositions for use inthe topical treatment of infection, inflammation or pain, a method ofpreparing the compounds, uses of the compounds and compositions in thepreparation of medicaments for the topical treatment of infection,inflammation or pain, and a method of topical treatment of infection,inflammation or pain using the compounds and compositions.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

There are many common human or animal conditions which result ininfection, inflammation and/or pain for which there are limited or noeffective preventative or curative treatment. These include allergic andnon-allergic conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, geographictongue and adverse reactions to insect bites (e.g., flea or midgebites). In some instances, steroidal treatments may be applied to theskin of a patient to treat these conditions with limited success andoften with adverse side effects.

A way of ameliorating the above-identified problems has been sought.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A compound of the general formula (I) may be used in the topicaltreatment of infection, inflammation and/or pain:

wherein R¹ independently represents a methylene group, an ethylene groupor a straight or branched chain C₃ to C₆ alkylene group; R²independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl groupor a straight or branched chain C₃ to C₂₀ alkyl group; x represents 0 oran integer from 1 to 4 and y represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 4,wherein the sum of x and y is 4; and Z represents a hydrogen atom or(HOR¹)_(y)R² _(X)N⁺. Compositions including the compound of generalformula (I); use of the compound of general formula (I) in themanufacture of a medicament; and methods of medical treatment includingthe topical application of the compound of general formula (I) are alsodescribed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims,the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include singular and pluralreferents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

In one embodiment, a compound of the general formula (I) is provided foruse in the topical treatment of infection, inflammation and/or pain:

wherein R¹ independently represents a methylene group, an ethylene groupor a straight or branched chain C₃ to C₆ alkylene group; R²independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl groupor a straight or branched chain C₃ to C₂₀ alkyl group; x represents 0 oran integer from 1 to 4 and y represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 4,wherein the sum of x and y is 4; and Z represents a hydrogen atom or(HOR¹)_(y)R² _(X)N⁺.

It has been surprisingly found that the compound of the general formula(I) can provide beneficial therapeutic effects when applied topically toa human or animal patient by ameliorating, curing, preventing and/orremedying a condition associated with infection, inflammation and/orpain. Such conditions include a disorder of the non-vascular and/orvascular dermis of a human or animal including the oral membrane and/orthe nasal membrane and/or the bronchial membrane, the surface membraneof the tongue or body tissue exposed during a surgical procedure.

By infection, in some aspects it is meant a parasitic, viral orbacterial infection. By an animal, in some aspects it is meant a mammal,in particular a domestic mammal such as a horse.

In some aspects, R² can be a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethylgroup and/or a straight or branched chain C₃ to C₈ alkyl group. In someaspects, R¹ can be a methylene, ethylene or propylene group, R² can be ahydrogen atom, a methyl, ethyl or propyl group and Z can be a hydrogenatom. In one aspect, the compound of the general formula (I) may havesubstituents where R¹ is an ethylene group, R² is a hydrogen atom, x is1, y is 3, and Z is a hydrogen atom.

In some aspects the compound according to Formula (I) can bemonoethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate, diethanolammoniumA-hydroxybenzoate, triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate,tetraethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate, cetyltrimethylammoniumA-hydroxybenzoate or bis(triethanolammonium) 4-oxybenzoate.

In some aspects, the compound of the general formula (I) is for use inthe treatment of a condition associated with topical infection,inflammation or pain. Such a condition can be a human condition such aseczema, psoriasis, acne, sunburn, a wound (such as that caused by anexplosion), bruising, a burn, gout, ringworm, a cold sore, impetigo, asymptom associated with the common cold or influenza, hay fever,sinusitis, gum disease, cystic fibrosis, epidermolysis bullosa,bacterial infection or geographic tongue, or an adverse reaction to aninsect bite such as a flea bite. Otherwise, the condition may be ananimal condition such as sweet itch, which is a reaction to a midge biteand which can in particular affect a horse.

It is believed that the compound of the general formula (I) may assistin dispersing or preventing fluid build-up in injured body tissue.Accordingly, the compound of the general formula (I) may also be usefulin the treatment of conditions where there is a build up of body fluids.Such conditions may include cystic fibrosis or post-operative swelling,in particular facial swelling after plastic surgery or other physicalinjury such as that caused by road trauma or a sports injury.

In some aspects, the compound of the general formula (I) can be used forthe treatment of conditions associated with infection, inflammation orpain by itself without a diluent, as the compound dissolved in aqueoussolution and/or in conjunction with non-aqueous pharmaceuticallyacceptable diluents. In some aspects, the compound can be incorporatedinto a cosmetic skin treatment product such as a moisturizer or a beautylotion.

According to an embodiment, there is also provided a pharmaceuticalcomposition including a compound according to Formula (I) in associationwith a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent. Optionally, the diluent maybe a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In some aspects, the composition is a formulation for topicalapplication to a human or animal.

For the pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, any diluent may be usedwhich is compatible with the human and/or animal skin, oral membrane,bronchial membrane or nasal membrane. Where the diluent is a carrier,any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier may be used which may enhancethe ability of the compound of the general formula (I) to penetrate theskin barrier or the oral membrane or the nasal membrane or the bronchialmembrane.

A suitable diluent for use in the compositions may include water; analcohol such as ethanol, n-propanol, 2-propanol, t-butyl alcohol; anether such as methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE); a ketone such as acetone,methyl ethyl ketone; a humectant such as glycerol (glycerine); a glycolsuch as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol; an emulsifier such as apolyhydric C₁ to C₅ alcohol partially esterified with a long-chain (C₁₂to C₂₄) fatty acid such as glycerol monostearate, isopropyl myristate, afatty acid ester of a sugar alcohol such as sorbitan mono-fatty acidester, a polyethoxylated derivative of such compounds, apolyethoxyethylene fatty acid ester and a fatty alcohol ether,cholesterol, cetyl stearyl alcohol, a wool wax alcohol and a syntheticsurfactant with a low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value; asolubiliser such as carbopol; a low-viscosity paraffin, a triglyceride;a lipophilic substance such as isopropyl myristate; a pH regulator suchas tetraethyl ammonium bromide (TEA), a carbonate, a phosphate; achelating agent such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and asalt thereof; and/or a preservative.

The pharmaceutical composition may contain a cosmetic excipient. Such acosmetic excipient is well known to the person skilled in the art ofpharmaceutical formulations and may be selected from a humectant, asmoothing agent, a UV filter, a pigment, a dye, a perfume, a vitaminand/or a bleaching agent.

In some aspects, the composition may include a commercially-availableskin treatment product. Such a commercially-available skin treatmentproduct may be a product sold under the name Vaseline Intensive Care DrySkin Lotion, Oil of Olay Active Beauty Fluid or Boots Aqueous Cream B.P.or other similar product.

Vaseline Intensive Care Dry Skin Lotion is a formulation that includesfragrance(s)/perfume(s), glycerin, stearic acid, retinyl palmitate,methylparaben, triethanolamine, glycol stearate, glyceryl stearate,2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), disodium EDTA, octyl methoxycinnamate,DMDM hydantoin (1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin), tocopherylacetate, water, sunflower seed oil/extract, corn oil, lecithin,carbomer, Dimethicone 350, attapulgite, titanium dioxide, cetyl alcohol,3-iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate, soy sterol, stearamide AMP and colorant/pigment/dye (s).

Oil of Olay Active Beauty Fluid is a formulation that includesfragrance(s)/perfume(s), acrylates/C₁₀ to C₃₀ alkyl acrylatecross-polymer, glycerin, stearic acid, tetrasodium EDTA, cetylpalmitate, potassium hydroxide, glyceryl hydroxystearate,1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (FD&C Red #4 (CI 14700)), water, petrolatum,carbomer, polyoxyethylated stearyl alcohol (Steareth 2), Dimethicone350, octyldodecyl myristate, cetyl alcohol and mineral oil.

Boots Aqueous Cream B.P. is a formulation that includes liquid paraffin,white soft paraffin, emulsifying wax, water and chlorocresol.

In some aspects, the compound of the general formula (I) may be presentat up to 60% by weight of the composition or between 10 to 55% by weightof the composition, particularly where the composition is an aqueouscomposition. In some aspects, the compound may be present at up to 15%by weight of the composition, particularly where a nonaqueouspharmaceutically acceptable carrier is also employed in the composition.In some aspects, the compound may be present at 0.2 to 10% by weight or0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition. In some aspects, the compound ofthe general formula (I) may be present in a composition at 0.7, 0.9, 2,3, 10, 30 or 50% by weight of the composition.

The dosage of the compound of the general formula (I) applied intreatment may generally be established by a person skilled in the art.In some aspects, the composition may be liberally applied as required toan area of a human or animal patient requiring treatment.

There is also provided a method of preparing a compound according toFormula (I) that includes:

-   -   (i) when at least one of R² of Formula (I) is a hydrogen atom        and x represents an integer from 1 to 4, reacting a compound of        formula (II)

wherein A is a hydrogen atom or a cation of the formula (HOR¹)_(y)R²_(X)N⁺ wherein R¹, R², x and y are as defined above

with a compound of formula (III)

N(R³OH)_(a)R⁴ _(b)  (III)

wherein R³ independently represents a methylene group, an ethylene groupor a straight or branched chain C₃ to C₆ alkylene group; R⁴independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl groupor a straight or branched chain C₃ to C₂₀ alkyl group; a is zero or aninteger from 1 to 3, b is zero or an integer from 1 to 3, wherein thesum of a and b is 3; or

(ii) reacting a compound of formula (IV)

wherein M¹ represents a cation and M² represents a cation or a hydrogenatom,

with a compound of formula (V)

[N(R¹OH)_(y)R² _(X)]X  (V)

wherein R¹, R², x and y are as defined for the compound of Formula (I)and X is an anion.

In some aspects of the method, the reactants can be prepared in solutionprior to reacting or used by themselves. When a solution is used, asuitable solvent includes a polar solvent such as water, acetone and/oran alcohol.

In some aspects of option (ii) of the method, M¹ and/or M² may be analkali metal cation such as a potassium or sodium cation. In someaspects, X may be a halide anion such as a fluoride, chloride or bromideanion. The reaction according to option (ii) of the method is understoodto proceed via a metathesis reaction wherein a by-product of thereaction is a compound according to the formula MX, which in someaspects may be the alkali metal salt of a halide anion.

There is also provided a compound for use in the topical treatment ofinfection, inflammation and/or pain obtainable from the method ofpreparation according to the invention.

There is also provided the use of a compound according to Formula (I) ora composition including a compound according to Formula (I) in thepreparation of a medicament for the topical treatment of infection,inflammation and/or pain.

There is also provided a method of topical treatment of infection,inflammation and/or pain in a human or an animal the method includingthe application of therapeutically effective amount of a compoundaccording to Formula (I) or a composition including a compound accordingto Formula (I) to a human or animal in need of such treatment.

In some aspects of the method of treatment, the compound of the generalformula (I) may be applied to the human or animal by itself or as acomposition which is applied topically to an area of the human or animalaffected by infection, inflammation or pain. In some aspects, thecompound of the general formula (I) may be applied as an aqueoussolution which is sprayed on to an affected area of the human or animal.Spraying means may include a nasal spray such as an atomizer. Anatomizer may be used for administration of the compound or compositionto the bronchial membrane. In other aspects, the compound may be appliedtopically by manually rubbing the composition into the affected area.

In some aspects of the method of treatment, the method may includetopical application of a compound of the general formula (I) orcomposition including a compound of the general formula (I) to an areaof a human or animal as a pre-treatment to prevent the development of acondition associated with infection, inflammation or pain. In someaspects, the compound or composition may be applied post-surgery. Insome aspects, the method of treatment is a surgical treatment. In someaspects, where the method of treatment is surgical treatment, thecompound or composition is sprayed onto the area to be treated.

The embodiments are illustrated by the following Examples which are notintended to limit the scope of the claims.

Infrared spectra were recorded in KBr disc on a Perkin Elmer 2000Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer. ¹H NMR spectra wererecorded in D₂O on a Bruker AV300 (300 MHz) NMR spectrometer. Elementalanalyses were obtained on a Leeman Labs Inc CE440 Elemental Analyser.Refractive indices were obtained on an Abbe Refractive Index Detector.pH measurements were obtained with an Aldrich glass pH electrode.Melting point (m.p.) data were determined on a Renhert 355272 meltingpoint apparatus. Unless stated otherwise, all chemical reagents andsolvents were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich Limited (Gillingham, Dorset,UK). Bacterial cultures were obtained from the University of Surrey, UK,Bacteriology Laboratory.

In examples 1 to 7, synthetic procedures are described for thepreparation of compounds according to Formula (I). In example 8, variouscompositions including triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate (TEAB) aredescribed. In examples 9 to 21, TEAB compositions were tested in vivofor efficacy on human patients suffering from various conditions. Inexample 22, TEAB compositions were tested on an animal patientsusceptible to sweet itch. In example 23, in vitro testing is describedrelating to the antibacterial activity of TEAB. No side effects wereobserved as a result of the administration of a TEAB composition in thein vivo tests.

Example 1 Preparation and Characterisation of triethanolammonium4-hydroxybenzoate (TEAB)

4-hydroxybenzoic acid (10.6 g, 0.08 mol) was dissolved in acetone (200mL). To the 4-hydroxybenzoic acid solution was added a solution oftriethanolamine (9.23 g, 0.07 mol) dissolved in a water (70 mL)/acetone(200 mL) mixture yielding a clear solution. The solution was stirred atroom temperature for 1 hour. The solution was stripped of acetone on arotary evaporator to yield 91 g (100%) of a light yellow solution withn20d of 1.3890. This light yellow solution was found to contain 30% byweight of TEAB in water. A sample of the light yellow solution wasreduced to near dryness yielding a white crystalline solid identified asTEAB containing 0.3 moles of water per mole of solid (93-94 C).

To establish the ionic nature of TEAB, 10 g of the light yellow TEABsolution was blended with water (300 mL) and Dowex MB-3 ion exchangeresin (Dow Chemical Company) and left to stand overnight. At this time,the liquid component of the blend was separated from the resin andreduced to dryness resulting in no residue. This indicates that theanionic and cationic component of TEAB had been retained by the ionexchange resin and that the solution only contained TEAB.

Elemental analysis (C₁₃H₂₁NO₆.0.3H₂O): Calculated (%) C, 53.3; H, 7.4;N, 4.8, O, 34.4. Found (%) C, 53.3; H, 7.5; N, 4.5; O, 34.7. ¹H NMR(D₂O): δ 3.4 (—CH₂—), 3.9 (—CH₂—), 4.8 (NH), 4.8 (OH), 6.9 (ArH), 7.8(ArH). Infrared spectroscopy, cm⁻1: 3450-3600 (v(OH)), 2854 (v(NH)),1463 (v(C═O)), 1377 (v(C—O)). n20d (50% wt solution of TEAB in water)1.4482. pH (50% wt solution of TEAB in water) 6.61. Calculated heat ofreaction (kJ/mol)−12.0.

Example 2 Preparation of triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate (TEAB)

Triethanolamine (149 g, 1 mol) was dissolved in water (287 mL). To thissolution was added solid 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (138 g, 1 mol) over aperiod of 3 to 4 minutes. As the solid 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was addedit reacted and dissolved increasing the temperature of the reactionmixture 5° C. After overnight standing, 573 g (100%) of a light yellowTEAB solution was recovered with n20d of 1.4484 and pH of 6.61. 40 g ofthe light yellow TEAB solution was reduced to 23 g on a rotaryevaporator and this solution poured into acetone (300 mL). After 72hours, a white crystalline solid was filtered off, washed with acetoneand oven dried at 60° C. (m.p. 93-94 C). Yield 19 g.

Example 3 Preparation of tetraethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate

1-bromoethanol (100 g, 0.8 mol) and triethanolamine (119 g, 0.8 mol)were added to absolute ethanol (300 mL) and heated to 60 C whilestirring. No apparent reaction was observed. After 2 weeks at roomtemperature stirring the reaction mixture contained a white crystallinesolid which was filtered off, washed with ethanol and oven dried at 60 Cto yield 5 g of tetraethanolammonium bromide (m.p. 189 C).

A 45% by weight aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (100 g, 0.8 mol)was added to water (200 mL). To this solution with stirring was added4-hydroxybenzoic acid (111 g, 0.8 mol). The mixture was stirred for 12hours at room temperature to yield a white crystalline solid which wasfiltered off, washed well with acetone and dried. The white crystallinesolid was potassium 4-hydroxybenzoate (m.p. 214 C).

Tetraethanolammonium bromide (4.58 g, 0.026 mol) and potassium4-hydroxybenzoate (7.16 g, 0.026 mol) were dissolved in water (500 mL)at room temperature while stirring. After 30 minutes, acetone (250 mL)was added to the reaction mixture resulting in the precipitation of awhite crystalline solid from the solution. The solid, identified astetraethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate contaminated with potassiumbromide, was filtered off and washed well with acetone.

Example 4 Preparation of diethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate

4-hydroxybenzoic acid (10.6 g, 0.08 mol) was dissolved in acetone (200mL). To the 4-hydroxybenzoic acid solution was added a solution ofdiethanolamine (8.4 g, 0.08 mol) dissolved in a water (70 mL)/acetone(200 mL) mixture yielding a clear solution. The solution was stirred atroom temperature for 1 hour and the solution stripped of acetone on arotary evaporator to leave 100 g of a colourless solution (100%). Asample of this colourless solution was further stripped to dryness toyield a white crystalline solid identified as diethanolammonium4-hydroxybenzoate (m.p. 115 C).

Example 5 Preparation of cetyltrimethylamnionium 4-hydroxybenzoate

Potassium 4-hydroxybenzoate (2.76 g, 0.02 mol) prepared according to theprocedure as described in example 3 and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide(7.28 g, 0.02 mol) were added to water (200 mL) while stirring. Thereaction mixture was heated to 70° C. to yield a clear solution. Themixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and maintained at thattemperature for 12 hours whereupon a white crystalline solidprecipitated. The white crystalline solid, identified ascetyltrimethylammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate (m.p. 111-113 C), was filteredoff, washed well with acetone and dried in an oven at 60 C.

Example 6 Preparation of bis(triethanolammonium) 4-oxybenzoate

To 48 mL of a stirred 48% by weight solution of TEAB (22 g, 0.08 mol)was added dropwise a 50 mL aqueous solution of triethanolamine (11.3 g,0.08 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80 C for 1 hour at whichtime the pH was 8.14. 10 g of this solution was poured into refluxingacetone (50 mL) to yield a clear solution which was allowed to cool toroom temperature and then cooled at 6 C for 12 hours. A cream-colouredcrystalline solid identified as bis(triethanolammonium) 4-oxybenzoateprecipitated was filtered off (m.p. 93-95 C).

Example 7 Preparation of bis(triethanolammonium) 4-oxybenzoate

In an alternative synthesis of bis(triethanolammonium) 4-oxybenzoate toExample 6, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (9.7 g, 0.07 mol) was added to water(200 mL) and the mixture heated to reflux. An excess of triethanolamine(20.9 g, 0.14 mol) was added dropwise over 30 minutes and the reactionmixture heated at reflux for a further 1 hour. A cream-colouredcrystalline solid believed to be bis(triethanolammonium) 4-oxybenzoate(m.p. 93-95° C.) precipitated was filtered off and dried under reducedpressure.

Example 8

In the following Example, the preparation of nine compositions includingTEAB for use in the topical treatment of infection, inflammation and/orpain are described. The constituents of compositions 1 to 9 areidentified in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 % by weight Composition Diluent TEAB present 1 Water 30 2Vaseline Intensive Care Dry Skin Lotion 0.9 3 Oil of Olay Active BeautyFluid 0.9 4 Vaseline Intensive Care Dry Skin Lotion 0.7 5 Oil of OlayActive Beauty Fluid 0.7 6 Water 50 7 Water and Boots Aqueous Cream B.P.10 8 Water 3 9 Oil of Olay Active Beauty Fluid 2

Composition 1

30 g of TEAB was dissolved in 70 mL of water. This resulted in acomposition with 30% by weight of TEAB.

Composition 2

3.0 g of composition 1 was manually dispersed in 97 g of thecommercially-available skin treatment product Vaseline Intensive CareDry Skin Lotion. This resulted in a composition with 0.9% by weight ofTEAB.

Composition 3

3.0 g of composition 1 was manually dispersed in 97 g of thecommercially-available skin treatment product Oil of Olay Active BeautyFluid. This resulted in a composition with 0.9% by weight of TEAB.

Composition 4

2.3 g of composition 1 was manually dispersed in 97.7 g of thecommercially-available skin treatment product Vaseline Intensive CareDry Skin Lotion. This resulted in a composition with 0.7% by weight ofTEAB.

Composition 5

2.3 g of composition 1 was manually dispersed in 97.7 g of thecommercially-available skin treatment product Oil of Olay Active BeautyFluid. This resulted in a composition with 0.7% by weight of TEAB.

Composition 6

50 g of TEAB was dissolved in 50 mL of water. This resulted in acomposition with 50% by weight of TEAB.

Composition 7

20.0 g of composition 6 was manually dispersed in 80 g of thecommercially-available skin moisturiser Boots Aqueous Cream B.P. Thisresulted in a composition with 10% by weight of TEAB.

Composition 8

3 g of TEAB was dissolved in 97 mL of water. This resulted in acomposition with 3% by weight of TEAB.

Composition 9

2 g of TEAB was manually dispersed in 98 g of the commercially-availableskin moisturiser Oil of Olay Active Beauty Fluid. This resulted in acomposition with 2% by weight of TEAB.

Example 9 Eczema

Two male subjects and a female subject suffering from long-termgenetically-acquired atopic eczema and related as biological father,grandson and daughter, were treated with composition 3. The TEABcomposition was topically applied in a liberal manner by rubbing into anaffected area of the skin around the ankles or the eyebrows of thesubjects which was flaky, peeling and itchy.

Within three days post-treatment, the affected areas of skin hadreturned to a healthy state with no sign of flakiness, peeling oritchiness. At 12 months post-treatment, the eczema had not returned. At16-months post-treatment, eczema returned in one of the subjects and wastreated in the same manner as described above resulting in the affectedareas of skin returning to their healthy state with no sign offlakiness, peeling or itchiness. Thus, for all subjects, topicalapplication of the TEAB composition has shown effect as both a curativeand preventative treatment of atopic eczema.

Example 10 Acne

A male subject suffering from severe facial acne was treated withcomposition 3. The TEAB composition was applied to selected areas of thefacial skin with other affected areas not treated. A noticeableimprovement of the subject's condition was observed 24 hourspost-treatment with the acne clearing while the non-treated areasremained substantially unchanged. Within 6 days post-treatment, the acnehad nearly cleared. After 14 days the acne was completely cleared anddid not return. Thus, topical application of a TEAB composition hasshown effect as both a curative and preventative treatment of acne.

Example 11 Flea Bite

An area of a male subject's legs was subjected to flea bites whichresulted in a painful rash. A portion of skin on the leg having the rashwas treated with a composition 3. Pain relief in the treated area wasalmost instant and within 24 hours post-treatment the rash was reducedto a milder pain-free rash on the treated area of the subject's leg.Further application of composition 3 resulted in disappearance of therash within a further 24-hour interval.

In another study, an area of a male subject's legs previously treatedwith composition 3 was subjected to flea bites. In contrast to thepainful rash observed as mentioned above, small, red, pain-free spotswere observed for the pre-treated skin which disappeared after 2 dayswith further treatment as described above. Thus, topical application ofa TEAB composition has shown effect as both a curative and preventativetreatment of a painful rash caused by a flea bite.

Example 12 Geographic Tongue

A male subject suffering from geographic tongue was treated withcomposition 1. The composition was applied to the tongue and the tongueheld firmly against the roof of the subject's mouth for at least 10minutes post-application. This treatment was repeated at 24-hourintervals for a period of 1 week. During this 1-week period, thediscomfort caused by the subject's geographic tongue was significantlyreduced and by the end of the period had disappeared as had the brightred circles on the tongue symptomatic of this condition. Subsequentreturn of the geographic tongue condition was treated in the same mannerwith the same results. Thus, oral administration of a TEAB compositionhas shown effect as a curative treatment of geographic tongue.

Example 13 Psoriasis

Composition 7 was topically applied in a liberal manner by rubbing intoan affected area of the skin of a male subject suffering from long-termpsoriasis. Within 1 week, a significant improvement in the subject'scondition was observed. Thus, topical application of a TEAB compositionhas shown effect as a curative treatment of psoriasis.

Prior to the initial treatment, composition 3 and composition 5 wereseparately applied to the affected area of the subject with no effect.Subsequently, composition 6 was applied to the affected area of thesubject by spraying. This resulted in considerable pain and redness tothe treated area which was ameliorated by treatment with composition 3or composition 5. Thus, topical application of a TEAB composition hasshown effect in ameliorating pain caused by an adverse reaction to anexcessively high dosage of TEAB.

Example 14 Post-Nasal Drip

A female subject suffering from a combination of long-term postnasaldrip was treated with composition 8. Treatment was by nasal spray with asingle 0.25 to 0.5 mL dose of the solution sprayed as a mist into eachnostril. Relief from post-nasal drip was observed within 15 minutes.Thus, nasal administration of a TEAB composition has shown effect inrelieving the symptoms of post-nasal drip.

Example 15 Bruised Cheek and Eye

A male subject suffering from a bruised and swollen cheek and facesurrounding the eye was treated with composition 9. The composition wasapplied liberally to the affected area by rubbing into the skin on thecheek and surrounding the eye. After 12 hours, the swelling was reducedby approximately half and the bruising had disappeared. Within 24 hoursof a further application of the composition, the swelling haddisappeared completely. Thus, topical application of a TEAB compositionhas shown effect in expediting the reduction of bruising and swellingwhich has resulted from a facial injury.

Example 16 Gout

A male subject suffering from gout in the big toe and having walkingdifficulties was treated with composition 9. The composition was appliedliberally to the affected area of the toe by rubbing into the skin andarea surrounding the toe nail. At 3 days post-treatment, the toe hadreturned to normal allowing pain-free walking. Thus, topical applicationof a TEAB composition has shown effect as a curative treatment for gout.

Example 17 Cold Sore

A female subject experiencing a pre-cold sore twinge on the upper lipwas treated with composition 9. The composition was applied liberally tothe affected area by rubbing into the upper lip and surrounding skin.After 12 hours, a small pain-free rash had developed and the twinge wasno longer felt by the subject. Further 12-hourly application of thecomposition resulted in the rash disappearing after 2 days and no coldsore developing. Thus, topical application of a TEAB composition hasshown effect as a curative and preventative treatment of a cold sore.

Example 18 Dry and Itchy Skin

A male subject suffering from localised patches of dry and itchy skinpresent on the chest was treated with composition 9. The composition wasapplied liberally to the affected areas. Relief from the itchiness wasobserved within 1 minute post-treatment. By 3 days post-treatment, theaffected areas of skin had returned to a normal healthy state. Thus,topical application of a TEAB composition has shown effect inameliorating irritation caused by dry and itchy skin.

Example 19 Scar Tissue

A male subject suffering from post-operation itchiness and inflammationof hip replacement scar tissue was treated with composition 9. Thecomposition was applied liberally to the scar tissue and surroundingskin. Relief from the itchiness was observed within 1 minutepost-application. Within 7 days post-application, the inflammation andassociated redness of the scarred area had disappeared. Thus, topicalapplication of a TEAB composition has shown effect in amelioratingitchiness and inflammation present on and around post-operative scartissue.

Example 20 Injured Finger

The finger of a male subject painfully injured by a heavy blow whichresulted in blood seeping between the cuticle and nail was treated withcomposition 1 followed by composition 9. Composition 1 was sprayedgenerously on to the area around the cuticle and composition 9subsequently applied liberally to the area on and around the cuticlewith a gentle rubbing motion. Within 12 hours post-application, theinjured finger had returned to being pain-free with no bleeding evident.Thus, topical application of a TEAB composition has shown effect inameliorating the pain and bleeding of an injury caused by a heavy blowto the finger.

Example 21 Steam Scald

A male subject suffering from a minor steam burn on the hand was treatedwith composition 1 followed by composition 9. Composition 1 was sprayedon to the burn and composition 9 subsequently applied liberally to theburn area by gentle rubbing into the skin. Within 1 minutepost-application, the pain of the burn had subsided. Within 12 hourspost-application, the burn had completely healed. Thus, topicalapplication of a TEAB composition has shown effect in reducing the painassociated with a steam burn as well as expediting the healing of awound caused by a burn.

Example 22 Sweet Itch

In the following Example, TEAB compositions were tested for efficacy ona horse susceptible to sweet itch.

A mare susceptible to sweet itch was treated successively withcomposition 1 and composition 7. Composition 1 was applied as a finespray to the base of the mane and tail hair of the mare. This wasfollowed by application of composition 7 to the same areas. Facial areasof the mare were not treated with a TEAB composition. Another horsesharing the same paddock as the mare and also susceptible to sweet itchwas not treated.

After 3 days post-treatment, the untreated facial areas of the marebecame affected by sweet itch. However the treated areas of the mare didnot become affected by sweet itch. Furthermore, the untreated horsebecame affected by sweet itch. Thus, topical application of a TEABcomposition has shown effect as a curative and preventative treatmentfor sweet itch in a horse.

Example 23 Bacterial Infection

Cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcusaureus, Staphylococcus epidermis and Bacillus subtilis were preparedseparately on Petri dishes containing an agar broth. Composition 6 wasdropped into a well located in the centre of each culture dish. Within72 hours post-treatment, partial bacterial kill was observed in eachdish. Thus, a TEAB composition has shown effect as an anti-bacterialagent.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as examples of embodiments. Elements and materials maybe substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts andprocesses may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may beutilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in theart after having the benefit of this description of the invention.Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the followingclaims.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. The compound triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate.21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising triethanolammonium4-hydroxybenzoate in association with a pharmaceutically acceptablediluent.
 22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 21, wherein thepharmaceutically acceptable diluent is a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.
 23. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 21, whereintriethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate is present at up to 60% by weightof the composition.
 24. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 21,wherein triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate is present at between 10%and 55% by weight of the composition.
 25. The pharmaceutical compositionof claim 21, wherein triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate is present atup to 15% by weight of the composition.
 26. The pharmaceuticalcomposition of claim 21, wherein triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate ispresent at 0.2% to 10% by weight of the composition.
 27. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 21, wherein triethanolammonium4-hydroxybenzoate is present at 0.5% to 5% by weight of the composition.28. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 21, further comprisingwater, wherein the triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate is dissolved inthe water.
 29. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 23, wherein thecarrier comprises a non-aqueous pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 30.The pharmaceutical composition of claim 29, wherein the non-aqueouspharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a cosmetic excipient. 31.The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, wherein the cosmeticexcipient comprises a commercially available skin treatment product. 32.A method of treatment of a condition associated with infection,inflammation or pain in a human or an animal comprising theadministration of a therapeutically effective amount of a compositioncomprising triethanolammonium 4-hydroxybenzoate to a human or animal inneed of such treatment.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein thecondition associated with infection, inflammation or pain is a conditionselected from the group consisting of itching, eczema, psoriasis, acne,sunburn, a wound, bruising, a burn, gout, ringworm, a cold sore,impetigo, a symptom associated with the common cold, a symptomassociated with influenza, gum disease, cystic fibrosis, epidermolysisbullosa, bacterial infection, geographic tongue, an adverse reaction toan insect bite, and sweet itch.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein thecomposition is administered pre or post surgery.
 35. The method of claim32, wherein the composition is administered via a spray.
 36. The methodof claim 32, wherein the composition is administered via a nasal spray.37. The method of claim 32, wherein the composition is administeredorally.